Safeguarding through the Adoption Lens

Who this is for

Adoption practitioners and managers (Voluntary Adoption Agencies, Regional Adoption Agencies, Local Authorities, and independent social workers), Assessors, and Agency Panel advisors.

Details

This bespoke training session is designed to offer an advanced refresher on safeguarding principles and practice, while specifically applying them through the Adoption Lens. The course aims to significantly increase delegates’ awareness of the unique safeguarding considerations inherent in the adoption process, acknowledging that adoption itself is fundamentally a safeguarding measure. The assessment and monitoring that accompany adoption are also crucial safeguarding processes in their own right. We also know that adopters say that their experience of safeguarding processes is mostly negative and not informed with adoption expertise.

I found it really informative, and it really helped it being specific to adoption. I always find my safeguarding refresher tedious as it is never really linked to my work, and it often goes over the same things. – Attendee, 2025

The session will feature a presentation on key issues followed by valuable opportunities to discuss and share perspectives. Dedicated time for reflection will allow you to consider the material, and we will provide practical signposting to relevant resources. We will also delve into critical themes like: Why is this important? What is our experience? Impact on adopters; and the sensitive topic of When things go wrong, as well as current issues affecting young people who are adopted.

Looking at safeguarding through an adoption lens was brilliant. The issues spoken about are extremely relevant to families I’m working with. It has given me lots to reflect on how I work with families & also what we offer as an RAA & challenges faced. – Attendee, 2025

Learning 0utcomes

• Reinforce foundational knowledge of safeguarding principles
• Articulate and apply the concept that adoption is a primary safeguarding measure
• Demonstrate an increased awareness of the unique safeguarding challenges and requirements within the adoption landscape
• Analyse and discuss key adoption themes, including the impact on adopters and the considerations required when difficulties arise
• Critically reflect on your own practice and experience through the specific Adoption Lens.
• Identify and utilize relevant resources and support services via provided signposting

About the trainer

Satwinder Sandhu

Satwinder is a leader in the adoption sector, influencing national and international practice and policy. He is a qualified social worker with almost thirty-years of work experience in adoption, fostering and children in public care. Satwinder is passionate about how adoption needs to modernise and focusing this evolution on the needs, and experiences, of adopted people. At Changing Script he is also involved in driving change in organisations through the lens of diversity, equity and inclusion. Satwinder is a TEDx speaker and a member of numerous sector Boards, including the Rees Centre, University of Oxford. Satwinder took up the role of CEO at CVAA UK in October 2023.

Instructions

A member of staff will be in touch with attendees one week prior to the event to share a pre-event delegate pack.

If you have any questions regarding this webinar, please contact us at [email protected]. We will aim to answer your query within two working days.

CVAA accept online payments only. In case you do not have instant access to your company card, we suggest using your personal card instead to book a training event and claim it back with your agency in your expenses. Requesting an invoice to pay for our standard practice events is not possible.